Chapter 88

Kristoff

As I made my way to the council room, my heart pounded with unease and nerves. I could feel it beating in an irregular rhythm, a troubling sign of the uncertainty that lay ahead. I talked to my wolf looking for assurance.

“Ivar, do you think Maddie will—”

"It's worth a try, Kristoff," he interjected. "Let’s wait for Maddie to honor her words."

Steeling myself, I finally reached the entrance of the room. With a deep breath, I entered, greeted by the assembled council members rising to show their respect.

"Greetings, Jarl," they chorused. I nodded at them in agreement. As soon as I entered, my eyes scanned to check on my wife. But Maddie was noticeably absent, and my worry deepened. I couldn’t help but voice out my concern to the council members.

"Where's my wife?"

A council member offered a response, “Lady Maddie is still not here. Perhaps something came up and she wouldn’t make it.”

The youngest wolf from the council members raised his hand.

“May I suggest that we start the